Energy Potential Indicators to Analyze Biomass Market in Sicily

La Pira Federico-Matarazzo Agata

Department of Economics and Business, University of Catania, Italy

Abstract: The word biomass refers to organic matter, mainly vegetable, terrestrial or marine matter both wild and cultivated by man, produced by using the process of chlorophyll photosynthesis with the help of energy from solar radiation, water and nutritive substances. The aim of this paper is to understand, by using the statistics produced for the purpose, the performance and potential of the biomass market in all the Italian regions, especially in the region of Sicily, where there are still unexploited areas particularly suitable for production of biomass. By processing the data, it has been possible to give a detailed description of the Sicilian energy scene in order to investigate energy production from renewable sources more deeply both in terms of the number of plants as well as in terms of installed power. In particular, emphasis is given to the present diffusion of biomass in the region, identifying the criticalities which exist, the evolutionary dynamics and future potential that the island can offer in this innovative energy sector in terms of employment, environmental impact and development of the market. The analysis carried out can be useful as a basis in implementing strategy of development for the production of biomass in different Italian areas, in order to contribute to a sustainable and balanced development of the territory revitalizing some agricultural sectors and the creation of agro-energy districts.

Key words: bio-energy, biomass plants, productivity, market segments, economic index, Environmental impacts, Sicilian economy